Choosing to stay in Las Vegas for her college education didn’t deprive Izzy McClain of worldly adventures. She came to UNLV knowing she’d tap into our study abroad programs. Here she shares what she brought back from the experience — besides souvenirs.

I actually came to UNLV specifically for the study abroad program. As to how I landed on Spain? It was half my studies and half reconnecting with my culture.

When my grandmother left Spain, she was escaping a really bad situation. I didn’t know anything about her history. I went to where her father was born in a city called Alicante, and I learned everything. That was the first time she opened up to me about her experiences. It was really special.

Traveling is a lot more affordable in Europe. I got to go to the Netherlands and the Van Gogh Museum. At the National Gallery in London, I saw my first DaVinci.

The amount of art I saw — pictures I’d seen for my whole life — I was seeing them right there, and I was like, “Wow.” There’s something about working directly with these masterpieces, you know?

I had an opportunity to lead some mini lectures. It was a click moment. Before that, I was just an art major with the focus on drawing printing. Now I’m an art history major, and I want to be a professor.

I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.

My advice to other students? I really struggled with coming into college and not being sure — with feeling a little lost. That’s normal. That’s part of the process of figuring it out and finding yourself. So be patient. Enjoy the ride. Enjoy the classes you’re taking. Enjoy the people who are around you and you’ll get there eventually.

Learn more about international experiences you can have through the UNLV Office of Study Abroad.